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Disney Parks guests can get the most out of February 29 when Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California celebrate Leap Year by keeping a theme park on each coast open for 24 hours of nonstop memory-making fun.

For the first time ever, both the Magic Kingdom Park and Disneyland Park will stay open for 24 hours straight as part of a bi-coastal salute called “One More Disney Day.” From 6 a.m., February 29 to 6 a.m., March 1, 2012, local time, guests can fill the extra day of leap year with a marathon of Disney magic and fun.

And for 60 days straight – from Jan. 1, 2012 to Feb. 29, 2012 – a daily winner will be chosen in the “Disney Parks One More Disney Day Sweepstakes” to receive a Disney Parks vacation.  One entrant each day will win a vacation for four to make memories at either Disneyland Resort in California or Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

For the past year, Disney Parks has invited guests to “let the memories begin,” noted Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.

“We’re honored that so many guests have shared their Disney memories with us as part of ‘Let the Memories Begin’, and I’m pleased to announce that the campaign will continue throughout 2012,” Staggs said. “To celebrate, for the first time ever, the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Parks will remain open for 24 hours on Leap Day, so that our guests can take advantage of every minute of their extra day to make memories with friends and family.”

Happy New Year!

2012 is going to be a great year to look to as the largest expansion project in Magic Kingdom® Park history will open in phases beginning this year. It will feature attractions and experiences in an area that will nearly double the size of Fantasyland. Among the novelties: Guests will be able to fly high in the new Storybook Circus area with The Great Goofini or with a double dose of Dumbo the Flying Elephant; “immerse” themselves in Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid, a major, all-new attraction that will see guests travel with Ariel and her friends through their exciting adventures above and below the waves – all against a musical backdrop of songs from the classic film; and “Be Our Guest” at the Beast’s Castle.

The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is another big ticket item that guests will be waiting anxiously for, as the train will take them on a rollicking, musical ride into the mine “where a million diamonds shine.” The coaster will feature a first-of-its kind ride system with a train of ride vehicles that swing back and forth, responding to every twist and turn of the track. The journey will be accompanied by music from the classic Disney film and animated figures of Snow White and the Dwarfs.

For those guests that love the character interaction, there is also a new experience in store for them. At the Princess Fairytale Hall, Aurora, Cinderella, and other Disney princesses, such as Tiana and Rapunzel, will greet everyone in their new home, an elegant royal court on the site where Snow White’s Scary Adventures stands today. Completion of The New Fantasyland is scheduled for 2014 with most new experiences open by 2013.

In an all-new interactive experience,due early in 2012, “Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom® Park,” Merlin the magician will recruit guests as apprentice sorcerers to undertake missions to subdue villains and ne’er do wells. Armed with magic spells in the form of special cards, guests must search for the magic symbols that lead them to animated villains’ hiding places. By casting different magical spell cards, players can do battle with Yzma, Kronk and other “baddies” hiding throughout the land. From fireballs to frantic frogs and cyclones, there are spells to bring down each and every villain, with a simple flick of the wrist.

So, as you can see, Magic Kingdom is going to be a great place to visit in 2012. Make sure you visit Orlando and make a trip to the happiest place on earth. Theme park tickets are available from Florida Leisure.